Teach Outdoors

In this episode of the Teach Outdoors podcast, we feature Kyra Stephenson, who serves as a Nature-Based Learning Coach at Anna Murray-Douglass Academy School #12 within the Rochester City School District. Kyra has successfully integrated a comprehensive nature-based learning (NBL) program into a PreK-8th grade public school setting. You can follow Kyra on Instagram to stay updated on her initiatives and insights.

Email: [email protected] 

School website:  https://www.rcsdk12.org/12 

Instagram: kls_natureed

 Purpose – How Nature-Based Learning Started for Kyra

Kyra’s journey with nature-based learning is deeply rooted in her own lifelong connection with nature, beginning in her childhood and continuing through adulthood. Motivated by a personal health scare and an understanding of nature’s positive benefits, Kyra sought to make a bigger difference and create a lasting impact through her work. The NBL program at her school is built on three main pillars:

- Academic Growth

- Physical and Emotional Wellness

- Community Building, which includes fostering connections with the natural community.

Benefits of Nature-Based Learning

The program supports Social Emotional Learning (SEL) initiatives, with data collected from Wellness Check-ins indicating significant benefits. Students exhibit awe, joy, and 100% engagement during nature-based activities, which positively impacts their overall well-being and readiness to engage in classroom learning. The program emphasizes learning outdoors, and its benefits are evident as students transition back into the classroom environment.

Outcomes of the Program

The implementation of NBL has led to a noticeable culture shift within the school. Behavior referrals have decreased, and there are initial findings of academic growth. The school has also established an outdoor classroom and developed lessons that integrate with the district's curriculum, enhancing the learning experience.

Goals for the Future

Kyra is currently awaiting final approval to conduct research on the impact of NBL at her school in collaboration with a professor from SUNY Brockport. The program aims to meet the needs defined within the City of Rochester’s Children and Outdoor Bill of Rights. Future goals include incorporating more teacher preparation programs with local universities, expanding the NBL program to other schools within the district and beyond, and creating a generation of Nature Ambassadors.

One of my favourite suggestions from Kyra can be found around minute 37 when she talks about Nature Portraits and Nature Names!

For more information about the Fall 2024 symposium, visit: Rochester Ecology Partners Event

Learn more about the City of Rochester’s Children and Outdoor Bill of Rights here: City of Rochester Article

Welcome to Moss and Lichen Unveiled: Nature’s Tiny Wonders Podcast! Join your host, Lauren MacLean, on a captivating journey into the enchanting realm of moss and lichen. Inspired by Henry David Thoreau's poetic musings, Lauren invites fellow nature enthusiasts to delve deep into the often-overlooked world of these remarkable organisms.

In this episode, Lauren shares intriguing teaching and learning experiences centred around moss and lichen, highlighting their significance in the ecosystem. From hands-on activities like estimation exercises and observation sketches to artistic expressions using natural materials, listeners gain insight into the diverse ways these tiny wonders can inspire curiosity and discovery.

Guided by Lauren's enthusiastic narration, listeners explore the distinctive features of moss and lichen, from their rhizoids and filaments to their unique growth patterns and habitats. Through engaging descriptions and educational insights, listeners develop a deeper appreciation for these silent sentinels of the natural world.

So grab your magnifying glass and embark on a quest to uncover the mysteries of moss and lichen with Moss and Lichen Unveiled: Nature’s Tiny Wonders Podcast! Don't forget to follow @teachoutdoors.ca on Instagram and @lkmaclean on Twitter for updates on ongoing explorations and inquiries. Until next time, keep exploring, keep wondering, and keep marvelling at the beauty of the natural world.

Join us on today's episode as we delve into the fascinating world of mushrooms and fungi with our special guest, Carly Eirikson, Vice-Principal of a local school district in British Columbia, Canada.

Carly shares her incredible journey with her grade 3 students, where a simple curiosity during nature walks blossomed into a captivating inquiry into the world of mushrooms and fungi. Utilizing the Walking Curriculum as her guide, Carly and her students embarked on a remarkable exploration, observing, and investigating the diverse fungi in their surroundings.

What makes this story truly remarkable is the involvement of families, who eagerly participated in the inquiry, even extending it to weekends. From humble beginnings, the inquiry grew into an immersive learning experience, seamlessly integrating science curriculum objectives.

In this episode, Carly discusses the process of weaving the science curriculum into the fungi inquiry, reflecting on what worked well and what she would do differently next time. Her insights offer valuable lessons for educators and parents alike on nurturing curiosity and fostering authentic, inquiry-based learning experiences.

As a bonus recommendation, Carly encourages listeners to watch the documentary *Fantastic Fungi*, which further illuminates the wonders of the fungal kingdom and its profound connections to our world.

Tune in to gain inspiration from Carly's journey and discover the magic of exploring nature through the lens of fungi! 🍄✨

In this episode of Teach Outdoors with Lauren MacLean, we embark on an enthralling exploration of the insect world, inspired by E.O. Wilson's timeless quote, "Every kid has a bug period. I never grew out of mine." Join us as we delve into the captivating realm of insects and spiders, shedding light on their crucial environmental roles.

Throughout the episode, Lauren encourages listeners to foster curiosity and understanding about these tiny creatures, often overlooked yet essential to our ecosystems. Beginning with observations of common species like butterflies, ladybugs, ants, and beetles, she guides us through their habitats, diets, and the challenges they face from predators.

But it's not just about facts; Lauren emphasizes the importance of perspective, prompting listeners to consider what makes certain bugs beautiful or terrifying and fostering appreciation for their diversity. The episode also features insights from students' research on notable features of butterflies, ladybugs, and beetles, accompanied by reflections on emotions evoked by these insects.

Listeners are invited to join Lauren on various outdoor activities, from constructing bug habitats to creating an insect field guide collaboratively. The episode concludes with a reminder of the importance of understanding the distinction between beneficial and harmful bugs and fostering an appreciation for these essential creatures in the natural world.

Tune in to Teach Outdoors with Lauren MacLean to explore the enchanting world of insects and bugs, celebrating their beauty and significance in our environment.

In this episode of Teach Outdoors, join host Lauren MacLean for a cozy exploration of leaves in "Leaves Under Investigation: A Close-Up Study." Dive into the spontaneous adventures of leaf inquiries, where students jump into piles, create leaf art inspired by "Leaf Man," and delve into leafy details. Discover the vibrant colors, symmetrical patterns, and unique characteristics of leaves found in British Columbia, from the majestic Cedar to the iconic Maple. Explore leaf veins through activities like leaf rubbings and vein poetry, and even mimic the graceful descent of falling leaves in an impromptu dance performance. Plus, find inspiration in picture books like "Leaf Jumpers" and "Leaf Man" to ignite leaf inquiries in your own outdoor explorations.

As we conclude our leafy expedition, let's recognize the vital
role leaves play in our ecosystem and strengthen our bond with the natural
world. Share your leafy discoveries on Instagram @teachoutdoors.ca, and until
next time, keep wandering, keep wondering, and keep celebrating the beauty of
leaves.

Nature's Path: A Year of Monthly Sparks - Click here

Nature Classroom Podcast Series - Click here

Welcome to our podcast, where we embark on outdoor adventures driven by the winds of curiosity! Informed by Carol Thompson's captivating book, 'Wind,' we dive into a world of exploration and learning. From crafting windmills to observing the dance of maple seeds carried by the breeze, each moment unfolds as an opportunity for discovery.

In our latest episode, we share our journey through a wind inquiry inspired by Thompson's work. As students engage in activities like the Maple Seed Target Adventure and experimenting with wind catchers made from ribbons and sticks, they delve into the unpredictable yet fascinating patterns of wind power. Through reflective discussions and observations in our Sit Spot, we ponder the intricate influence of wind on our surroundings, from scattered debris to delicate petals.

Join us as we navigate the complexities of wind and weather, capturing insightful reflections and fostering a deeper understanding of the natural world. Tune in to our podcast for an enriching exploration of the unseen forces shaping our environment, one gust at a time.

Nature's Path: A Year of Monthly Sparks - Click here

Nature Classroom Podcast Series - Click here

Embark on a seasonal journey with the Teach Outdoors podcast, where we celebrate the wonders of outdoor learning. From fostering a growth mindset to overcoming challenges inherent in teaching across diverse seasons, each episode offers invaluable insights for educators and students alike. Explore our outdoor learning routine, beginning with engaging anchor books and leading into invigorating nature walks, reflective circle sessions, and hands-on activities.

Immerse yourself in the current winter season as we navigate the transition to spring through captivating explorations in our garden classroom. Witness the magic of learners as they observe and sketch the subtle signs of seasonal change, honing their observational skills while fostering a deep connection with the natural world. Join the conversation on social media at @teachoutdoors.ca and be part of the movement to inspire and elevate outdoor education. Stay warm, stay curious, and keep teaching outdoors for an enriching learning experience all year round.

Nature's Path: A Year of Monthly Sparks - Click here

Nature Classroom Podcast Series - Click here

Welcome to another exciting episode of Teach Outdoors, the podcast that explores the intersection of education, nature, and technology. In this episode, we are honored to have Dr. Phil, a multifaceted educator, speaker, and technology innovator, as our special guest.

Dr. Phil's diverse background, ranging from teaching to developing a technology company called Plabook, makes him a powerhouse in the education realm. Our conversation kicks off by addressing the common fear of technology among educators. Dr. Phil shares valuable insights on modeling risk-taking and fostering a growth mindset when integrating technology in the classroom. We reflect on the importance of preparing students for the future, recognizing the unique challenges and opportunities presented by the digital age they are growing up in.

The discussion deepens as we explore the dynamic nature of education, emphasizing the need for educators to be comfortable with continuous learning, unlearning, and relearning. Dr. Phil emphasizes that it's not merely about placing students in front of devices but empowering them to use technology creatively to explore their own inquiries.

A highlight of our conversation is the innovative ways technology can be brought outdoors to enhance learning experiences. Dr. Phil introduces the concept of 1D, 2D, 3D and 4D learning, where technology and nature seamlessly integrate, engaging multiple senses. From taking photos and mapping to organizing data, technology has become a powerful tool for outdoor exploration. Dr. Phil shares insights into various apps that facilitate journaling and drawing while outdoors, enhancing the connection between indoor and outdoor learning.

To learn more about Dr. Phil and his work, visit his website at www.plabookeducation.com. Join us in this episode of Teach Outdoors as we uncover the transformative potential of merging technology with nature to create immersive and dynamic learning experiences for students.

Nature's Path: A Year of Monthly Sparks - Click here

Nature Classroom Podcast Series - Click here

Welcome to Teach Outdoors, the podcast where we explore the transformative power of outdoor education. In this episode, we sit down with David Hawker-Budlovsky, a dedicated educator with 25 years of experience in the Toronto District School Board (TDSB), currently serving as the Centrally Assigned Principal supporting Outdoor Education.

In our conversation, David sheds light on why it's crucial for our education system to fully embrace outdoor learning. Discover how the TDSB has established nine outdoor education centers, including day centers hosting up to 10 classes a day and overnight centers. Learn about the support-to-schools initiative, where educators collaborate with classroom teachers to integrate outdoor learning into specific contexts, fostering a co-teaching model.

Community engagement is a key focus, with outdoor learning sites opened to parents for firsthand experiences. David emphasizes the gradual progression from low-risk opportunities to building stamina over time. Tune in to explore how students can have agency and voice over their outdoor learning experiences, creating a sense of ownership.

As winter blankets the landscape, discover the variety of activities designed to engage students, from teamwork exercises to art and mapping, as well as climate and environment inquiries. Join us as we delve into the enriching world of outdoor education, exploring ways to make learning come alive beyond the classroom walls.

Don't miss this insightful episode as we uncover the strategies, benefits, and joys of taking education outdoors with David Hawker-Budlovsky.

X: @TOES_TDSB

Website: schoolweb.tdsb.on.ca/toes

Email: [email protected]

Nature's Path: A Year of Monthly Sparks - Click here

Nature Classroom Podcast Series - Click here

In this episode, we delve into the educational benefits of engaging with snow, from refining motor skills to fostering teamwork and problem-solving. Our young explorers not only learn about seasonal changes but also find the perfect balance between joy and the challenges of snow play.

Join us as we share our favourite winter activities, including creative journeys inspired by “Over and Under the Snow” by Kate Messner, building unique snow huts that promote visualization and problem-solving skills, and exploring the enchanting mysteries of snowy habitats. From circle reflections to nature detective work, we'll show you how these snowy adventures create meaningful connections between play and learning, making winter an exciting and educational journey for our students.